Multifaceted Research and Teaching

Diversity in Research and Teaching

In order to systematically remove structurally established hurdles that stand in the way of an equal scientific career, the University of Bonn is taking concrete measures, which we present to you below. You can also find out here how diversity is specifically promoted as a research subject and how researchers and teachers are supported in their work.

Diversity in research

The achievement of diversity releases innovation potential in all areas of academic endeavor and its incorporation in research projects is not only an indicator of quality, but provides a competitive advantage in the application process for research projects.

The University of Bonn seeks to promote innovative and sustainable research fit for the 21st century. This requires the realization of diversity on all levels and the establishment of structures that foster innovation through the promotion of wider participation in research.

A scientist lookin into a microscope
© Bernadett Yehdou/ Universität Bonn
A teacher speaking in front of a lecture hall
© Volker Lannert / Universität Bonn

Diversity in teaching

Both the student and teaching bodies at the University of Bonn are becoming increasingly diverse, driven by the implementation of the requirements of the German Anti-Discrimination Act and the emphasis placed by University admissions policy on characteristics such as family circumstances, German language proficiency and university entrance qualification.

The University of Bonn prioritizes the creation of structures conducive to diversity-oriented teaching and which foster a general atmosphere in which individuals feel valued and are able to learn and develop.

The STEP Logo
© Stabsstelle Chancengerechtigkeit und Diversität

STEP

The Strengthen the Equal Opportunity Process (STEP) program is dedicated to recruiting women early-career researchers and professors and furthering the career of women researchers at all levels.

University of Bonn Reference Framework for Gender Equality 2022–2026

Universities are required by Section 5 of the Gender Equality Act for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (LGG NRW) to issue a framework for gender equality for a period of three to five years. At the University of Bonn, this consists of a framework plan for gender equality, which defines the goals of the entire university, as well as the equality plans of the faculties, the central institutions and the administration.

The reference framework as well as all equality plans of the faculties, the central institutions and the administration, can be viewed here.

Stift und Papier mit dem Symbol der Geschlechtergleichstellung
© Colourbox

Diversity and cluster-application

In the summer of 2022, the DFG expanded its "Research-Oriented Standards on Gender Equality" to include the aspect of diversity and developed them into the "Research-Oriented Equity and Diversity Standards". We have summarised the most important information on a diversity-sensitive application for you on our Confluence page.

Research centers addressing aspects of diversity

Paintbrushes on a colorful palette
© Colourbox

ZeDiL

The Center for Diversity Research in Teaching (ZeDiL) is a central research unit tasked with conducting research into diversity in university teaching.

Joint Research Unit Diversity

This new research unit has been set up as a University-wide point of contact for all existing and future research projects.

BZL – DiversiTeach project

Run by the Bonn Center for Teacher Education (BZL), a key task of this project is to raise awareness amongst students for the challenges faced by migrants in a school environment.

The Research Group for Theological Gender Studies

The research and teaching of the Research Group for Theological Gender Studies addresses the significance of gender studies for Catholic theology.

Forum Internationale Wissenschaft (FIW)

One of the seven leading questions which the Department of Democracy Research was set up to address is the semantics and practices of individual and collective inclusion in a modern democracy.

Internal services for researchers & teachers

Office for Gender Equality

The Gender Equality Commissioner
provides advice and support to University staff in all issues of gender equality.

Office of Family Services

The Office of Family Services advises staff and students seeking to combine family responsibilities with their studies and career.

International Office

The International Office is the central point of contact for international students and researchers.

Representation for disabled employees

The Representative for severely disabled employees provides advice and support aimed at the realization of inclusion in the workplace.

External services for research and diversity

The German Research Foundation (DFG)

A program by the DFG  with focus on the significance of diversity in research

Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation

A magazine on the topic "Why science needs more diversity".

KomDiM

The Centre for Competence Development for Diversity Management presents a collection of toolboxes on the topic of diversity.

Inclusive research design

Inclusive design – why intersectionality matters

Inclusive research design is becoming increasingly important at German universities. According to the DFG, the inclusion of different gender and diversity dimensions in basic research is particularly important, regardless of the discipline. In this way, the data obtained remain transferable and are not limited in their usefulness to just one group of people. In order to achieve a higher quality of research results, the consideration of a diverse group of people is already of great importance in the development of research questions, hypotheses and theories.

TU Wien explains in a short video why research must include people in their diversity.

Further services from the University of Bonn for researchers and teachers

Established in 2017, the Maria von Linden training program is open to all women early-career researchers at the University of Bonn. The program organizes career planning events for students considering a career both in and after academia. 

Further information

The Argelander Competence Center offers a comprehensive range of support to early-career researchers. Together, the various institutions of the Competence Center offer the Argelander Program for Early-Career Researchers, which targets doctoral students and postdocs.

Further information

Argelander scholarships are awarded to doctoral students predominantly from Africa, Latin America and South (East) Asia to enable them to study at the University of Bonn for between three and 12 months.

Further information

Researchers predominantly from Africa, Latin America and South (East) Asia with a research focus in the area of Sustainable Development Goals are invited to work together with a Professor from the University of Bonn to conduct research and teach at the University of Bonn for one or two semesters.

Further information

This scholarship is awarded to doctoral students from Africa, Asia and Latin America (see DAC list) at the University of Bonn and who are about to complete their dissertation project.

Further information

The University of Bonn provides parents in the final phase of their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral studies with financial support for a limited period of time. The grant is awarded to students with childcare responsibilities to enable them to dedicate more time to their thesis. 

Further information

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences supports women early-career researchers during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period by funding additional measures (e.g. childcare).

Further information

Every year, the Gender Equality Office awards funding to three intersectionality projects aimed at promoting the structural integration of gender equality in the faculties. Faculties, individual institutes, departments and other institutions and units at the University of Bonn may apply for funding.

Further information

Aimed at early-career researchers, the MeTra program organizes training courses, arranges mentors and organizes regular networking events.

Further information

Would you like to meet new people? Would you like to advance your academic career? Are you looking to establish a network? Run by the International Office, the “Pro-Motion” project provides a comprehensive range of counseling and support services to help international doctoral students before and during their doctoral degrees and seeks to promote intercultural skills, networking and integration.

Further information

The Competence Center for International Science Cooperation (KIWi) addresses universities and science institutions with the new "KIWi Compass". The DAAD would like to win universities for an independent risk and opportunity assessment when cooperating with international partners and offers orientation and decision support with the criteria catalog presented here.

Further information (German)

The web page of the University of Bonn’s representative for students with disabilities lists a range of institutions that assist  with barrier-free teaching materials and provide students with guidance and advice in this area.

Further information (german)

The various University faith associations organize common worship and a range of activities such as music groups, theater groups, discussions, lectures and film screenings and welcome new members. Some of the groups even provide accommodation.

Further information

Offers for refugee researchers

The University of Bonn supports researchers who have fled to Germany because of the war in Ukraine. Both the Welcome Center and the Research Funding Department can advise you on scholarships and other funding measures.

Further information

The goal of the Cologne/Bonn Academy is to support renowned scientists who had to flee due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In addition to researchers from Ukraine, this can also include researchers from Russia and Belarus who are being persecuted for their opposition to the war.

Further information

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) supports scientists who have fled their home countries by making it easier for them to collaborate in research projects and to apply for funding under the Walter Benjamin Program.

Further information


Events for researchers and teachers
Training: Prevention of sexualized discrimination and violence
Online
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The session provides basic knowledge about the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and the various behaviours that fall under sexualized discrimination and ...
Meeting of the queer employee network
Location to be announced ...
06:00 PM
All employees who self-identify as LGBTQIA* can join the network, whether you work in the academic or the non-academic sector. Lecturers at the University of ...
Unconscious bias in appointment committees
Online via Zoom
01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
The workshop is aimed at members of current or future appointment committees. All status groups are addressed, especially professors. The event is based on an ...

Contact

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit

This unit provides the Rectorate with advice and support in its efforts to establish and develop concepts designed to promote equal opportunity and diversity.

Contact

+49 228 73 5818

chancengerechtigkeit@uni-bonn.de

Address

Dechenstraße 3-11
D-53115 Bonn

See also

Vice Rectorate for Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Professor Dr. Irmgard Förster was appointed as Vice Rector for Equal Opportunity and Diversity in 2021.

Vice Rectorate for Sustainability

Professor Dr. Annette Scheersoi is the Vice Rector for Sustainability.

Vice Rectorate for International Affairs

Professor Dr. Birgit Ulrike Münch is the Vice Rector for International Affairs.

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